Carpenters vs Electricians
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Carpenters
Electricians
Median Salary
$59,310
$62,350
10-Year Job Growth
+5.2%
+5.2%
Training Length
3-4 years
4-5 years
Typical Path
UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states
IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
Salary difference: $3,040 (4.9%) in favor of Electricians
Who should choose Carpenters?
Carpenters may be the right fit if you're interested in construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials.
Typical path: UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states
Explore Carpenters →Who should choose Electricians?
Electricians may be the right fit if you're interested in install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in buildings and other structures.
Typical path: IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
Explore Electricians →Frequently Asked Questions
Electricians earn more on average. The national median salary for electricians is $62,350, which is $3,040 more than carpenters ($59,310).
Carpenters typically require 3-4 years of training (UBC apprenticeship or non-union program; no license required in most states). Electricians typically require 4-5 years (IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required).
Carpenters have a projected 10-year growth of 5.2%, while electricians have a projected growth of 5.2%. Both trades have similar growth projections.